New Yamaha MT-10 debuts with more power, aggressive look and its own soundtrack

Yamaha has given the flagship to its expansive MT naked range - the Yamaha MT-10 - a long awaited restyle and re-tool for 2022, boasting more power, influence from the sister R1 sportsbike and tuning to emit its own distinctive sound.

A spiritual flagship to the inaugural Yamaha to wear the the ‘Master of Torque’ (MT) prefix - the 2007 1600cc Yamaha MT-01 -, the first generation Yamaha MT-10 was launched in 2017 as a super naked sibling to the R1 and bigger brother to the already established MT-09.

Since then the MT range - currently comprising five roadster models down to 125cc - has continued to expand but the MT-10 had been left to linger without an update, compared with the MT-09 and MT-07 which were replaced twelve months ago.

However, ahead of the 2021 EICMA show on 25 November, Yamaha has taken the wraps off the new MT-10, which it says has been tweaked in all areas to maintain its position as one of the sales leaders alongside the Honda CB1000R and recently launched Triumph 1200 Speed Triple RS.

At its heart sits a more potent 998cc CP4 engine, which has been tweaked to offer more power, greater efficiency and a more tuneful rev note.

With power output rising from 158bhp to 164bhp, the MT-10 benefits from lightweight aluminium forged pistons, offset con rods and direct-plated cylinders to maximise efficiency, while new components allow for greater linear torque between 4,000 and 8,000rpm.

Despite all this, the MT-10 has improved its fuel economy and reduced its CO2 output.

Already blessed with a distinctive soundtrack from its crossplane technology engine, Yamaha has worked on (literally) amplifying this by fitting an all-new cleaner box to ensure each duct produces a different sound and a new titanium exhaust, plus what it calls Acoustic Amplifier Grilles.

In its own words, Yamaha says it has achieved a ‘rumbling growl at low rpm and a high pitched roar at high rpm’.

Yamaha MT-10 is an ‘intense character’

With Yamaha liberally sprinkling some colourful adjectives to describe the new MT-10, it describes the motorcycle as having an ‘intense character and intimidating presence’ to give it a ‘dominant look’.

Either way, the Yamaha MT-10 has evolved its predecessor’s sharp, stealthy appearance with compact twin-eye mono-focus LED headlights that lean further into the look of the R1, a surprise given the more cyclops-approach of the more recent Yamahas, such as the MT-09 and all-new R7.

From the riders’ seat, the Yamaha MT-10 gets use of the 4.2” full-colour TFT from the R1, while its touts improvements in ergonomics around the so-called ‘Rider Triangle’ - the handlebar, footrest and seat.

On the road, there is a new Brembo radial brake master cylinder, plus Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL) - to give you control over its top limit in various situations - plus a ride-by-wire throttle, Slide Control system (SCS) and LIFT control system (LIF).

Available in three colour options, Cyan Storm, Icon Blue and Tech Black, the Yamaha MT-10 will go on sale in February 2022 with prices to be announced nearer the time.

Yamaha MT-10 [2022] - Key features and specifications

• More powerful EU5 998cc engine
• Tuned intake sound
• Titanium exhaust
• Compact and functional new exterior styling Improved ergonomics
• Brembo radial master cylinder
• Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL)
• Quick Shift System (QSS)
• A&S clutch
• New 4.2” full-colour TFT display
• APSG ride-by-wire throttle with four power delivery modes (PWR) 6-axis IMU
• Lean sensitive Traction Control System
• Slide Control system (SCS)
• Lift control system (LIF)
• Engine Brake Management (EBM)
• Brake Control (BC)
• Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)
• R1-derived aluminium Deltabox chassis
• Long aluminium swingarm
• Compact 1,405mm wheelbase
• 43mm fully adjustable KYB front forks
• Fully adjustable KYB rear shock
• Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres

Watch: Yamaha MT-10 (2022) specs, details, features